Lawyers: Can Menendez trial jurors be asked how they voted

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) - Attorneys in the corruption case against Democratic New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez sparred Friday over a questionnaire for potential jurors, with prosecutors urging the judge not to include questions probing whom jurors voted for or how they felt about Menendez's stand on issues like the Iran nuclear deal.

The trial is scheduled to begin Sept. 6. Menendez faces bribery, fraud and conspiracy counts for allegedly using his official position to lobby government officials on behalf of a longtime friend who had donated to his campaign and lavished him with gifts, including flights on a private jet and a Paris vacation.

Menendez, who didn't attend Friday's hearing, has pleaded not guilty and contends his actions were protected under a constitutional clause shielding lawmakers when they conduct normal legislative duties.

U.S. District Judge William Walls, who made no immediate ruling, said letters will be sent to 500 to 600 jurors, with the aim of getting about 200 who would be available. He said they will be given the questionnaire to fill out by the end of June, to give attorneys time to review the responses.

The jurors would then report to court Aug. 23 to begin the selection process.

Prosecutor Peter Koski said Friday that asking jurors whom they voted for or what they felt about Menendez's stance on major political issues "risks politicizing the case, and that would be improper."

Walls responded that the case is already politicized by virtue of Menendez's status as a senator, and that asking potential jurors about political issues could detect bias.

"I know that people carry grudges, and politicians are often the source of people carrying grudges," he said.

Menendez diverged from President Barack Obama in opposing the Iran deal and the resumption of diplomatic relations with Cuba.

Menendez was indicted in 2015. Prosecutors say he took official action on behalf of Florida eye doctor Salomon Melgen, whom he has known for more than 20 years, in a Medicare dispute and in a business transaction involving Melgen's interest in a port security contract in the Dominican Republic.

Melgen currently is on trial in Florida for Medicare fraud in a separate case. Closing arguments are expected next week. He and Menendez will be tried together in New Jersey.

The case has been delayed by Menendez's appeal to have the U.S. Supreme Court hear the case, called a petition for certification. The high court declined last month, letting stand a federal appeals court ruling denying Menendez's motion to have the charges thrown out.

Walls left no doubt he would do everything he could to avoid any more delays. The trial is expected to last about six to eight weeks.

"Now that cert has been denied, it's time to try this case," the judge said, adding that he didn't want to still be on trial "when everybody is running around with Christmas presents."